ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Prime Minister's Office
English translation of Prime Minister's Opening Remarks at the first meeting of India Central Asia Summit
Excellencies,
I welcome you all to the first India-Central Asia Summit.
The diplomatic relations between India and Central Asia countries have completed 30 meaningful years.
Our cooperation has achieved many successes over the past three decades.
And now, at this crucial juncture, we must define an ambitious vision for the coming years as well.
A vision that can fulfil the aspirations of our people, especially the younger generation, in the changing world.
Excellencies,
At the bilateral level, India has close relations with all the Central Asian countries.
Excellencies,
Kazakhstan has become a vital partner for India's energy security. I express my condolences for the recent loss of life and property in Kazakhstan.
Our state governments are also active partners in our growing cooperation with Uzbekistan. This includes my home state of Gujarat as well.
We have an active partnership with Kyrgyzstan in the field of education and high-altitude research. Thousands of Indian students are studying there.
With Tajikistan, we have a longstanding cooperation in the field of security. And we are continuously strengthening it.
Turkmenistan is an important part of Indian vision in the field of regional connectivity, which is evident from our participation in the Ashgabat Agreement.
Excellencies,
We all have the same concerns and objectives for regional security. We are all concerned about the developments in Afghanistan.
In this context also, our mutual cooperation has become even more important for regional security and stability.
Excellencies,
Today's summit has three main objectives.
First, to make it clear that cooperation between India and Central Asia is essential for regional security and prosperity.
From Indian point of view, I would like to emphasise that Central Asia is central to India’s vision of an integrated and stable extended neighbourhood.
The second objective is to give an effective structure to our cooperation. This will establish a framework of regular interactions at different levels and among various stakeholders.
And, the third objective is to create an ambitious roadmap for our cooperation.
Through this, we will be able to adopt an integrated approach for regional connectivity and cooperation for the next 30 years.
Excellencies,
I once again warmly welcome you to the first meeting of the India-Central Asia Summit.
DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered in Hindi.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 Vaccination Update - Day 343
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage achieves 140 crore landmark milestone
More than 59 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has achieved 140 Crore landmark milestone  today. More than 59 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10386839
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
9674534
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18384728
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
16823391
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
492257852
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
311512582
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
192829229
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
144908835
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
120439643
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
92128272
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
834298291
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
575047614
|
|
Total
|
|
1409345905
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Date: 24th December, 2021 
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
126
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
4560
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
110
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
9056
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
960158
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
3273322
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
216628
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
885095
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
126344
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
478222
|
|
1st Dose Administered in Total
|
|
1303366
|
|
2nd Dose Administered in Total
|
|
4650255
|
|
Total
|
|
5953621
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Scientists ready for field trials of pest-resistant cotton variety
Whiteflies are one of the top ten devastating pests in the world
National Botanical Research Institute  Lucknow has developed a pest-resistant variety of cotton
Field trials this year from April to October
Whiteflies are one of the top ten devastating pests in the world that damage more than 2000 plant species and also function as vectors for some 200-plant viruses. Cotton is one of the worst hit crops by these, in 2015 two third of the cotton crop was destroyed by the pest in Punjab. In a move to fight against whiteflies National Botanical Research Institute  Lucknow has developed a pest-resistant variety of cotton and is going to start field trials this year from April to October in Faridkot Center of Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana.
As Bt cotton is also a genetically modified cotton and present in the market for farmers usage then why this variety was needed. Answering to this senior scientist, Dr PK Singh from NBRI told, “Bt cotton is resistant to two pests only it is not resistant against white flies. In 2007 we decided to work on one more insect pest- whiteflies. It not only damages cotton but many other crops too with this it transmits disease viruses too.”
To develop the pest-resistant variety researchers explored 250 plants from lower plant biodiversity to identify novel protein molecules that are toxic to whitefly. “Leaf extract of all the plants were prepared separately, and whiteflies were allowed to fed on them. Out of the 250 plants, the leaf extract of an edible fern Tectariamacrodonta causes toxicity to the whitefly” said Dr Singh.
This fern is known to be used as salad in Nepal and as a concoction for the gastric disorders in many regions of Asia also goes in favour for the possibility of the insecticidal protein that is found in the fern. It works against whiteflies but being safe for application on the crop plants and provides protection from them.
When whiteflies feed on sub-lethal doses of insecticidal protein, it interferes with the life cycle of insect that in turn resulted with very poor egg laying, abnormal egg, nymph and larval development and extraordinary poor emergence of the fly. However, this protein was found to be un-effective on non-target insects.“This clearly shows that the protein is specifically toxic to whitefly and does not cause any harmful effect on other beneficial insects like butterfly and honeybee. To answer that whether this protein is safe to mammals or not, the toxicity of the protein was also tested on the rat mammalian model” said Dr Singh.
By when this variety may be expected to be there for farmers use? “It depends on many factors. Whiteflies tolerance trait that has been introduced in the plant if that performs the same way in the field then only it can be given to the farmers for cultivation. We have to see if this trait can be agronomic trait too” said Dr Singh.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 66.07 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 4.49 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs with more than 85 Lakh doses in Pipeline
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
|
|
VACCINE DOSES
|
|

|
|
SUPPLIED
|
|
66,07,19,455
|
|
PIPELINE
|
|
85,63,780
|
|
BALANCE AVAILABLE
|
|
4,49,68,620
More than 66.07crore vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so farthrough Govt of India  and through direct state procurement category.Further, more than 85 Lakh doses  are in the pipeline.
More than4.49Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Prime Minister's Office
PM to unveil statue of Swami Vivekananda at JNU campus on 12th November 2020
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will unveil the life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda at the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University on 12th November at 6:30 PM via video conferencing. Union Minister for Education will also be present on the occasion.
The philosophy and the mission of Swami Vivekananda beckon the youth of the country even today, and India feels proud to have had such a great personality who continues to inspire millions across the world. The Prime Minister has always said that the ideals of Swami Vivekananda are as relevant today as they were during the life of Swami ji. The Prime Minister himself has often emphasized that serving the masses and empowering the youth of the nation strengthens the country physically, mentally, and spiritually as well as enhances the global image of the Nation. Prosperity and power of India reside in its people and, therefore, empowering all alone will take the nation towards achieving the solemn goal of a self-reliant India.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Cabinet approves Signing of MoU between India and Brazil on Bioenergy Cooperation
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of India and the Federative Republic of Brazil on Bioenergy Cooperation.
India and Brazil are major consumers of energy in the world and Brazil is one of the most important trading partners of India in the entire LAC  region. Brazil is currently the world's second largest producer and consumer of biofuels and biofuels and bioelectricity accounted for 18% of Brazil's energy mix. India also has a strong focus in the area of bio-fuels and has set a target to achieve 20% blending of ethanol in petrol and 5% blending of biodiesel in diesel by 2030 with the announcement of new policy on Biofuels in 2018.
During the meeting between Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President of Brazil in India in 2016, the two sides agreed to cooperate on research and development of renewable energies, as well as in the field of second-generation biofuels.
In this regard, the MoU provides a framework to cooperate and promote investment in biofuel, bioelectricity and biogas supply-chains, including feedstock, industrial conversion, distribution and end use sectors. Few other salient features of the MoU include Exchange of information on agricultural practices and policies regarding biomass for bioenergy, including sugarcane, corn, rice, oil-crops, and lignocellulosic crops; policies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions levels based on the use of biofuels, using cycle analysis and the issuance of emissions reduction certificates traded in an organized market; trade aspects and the promotion of a joint position to address market access and sustainability of biofuels, including advanced biofuels; Engine and fuel modifications / adjustments that may be necessary for different percentages of biofuels blended with fossil fuels.
PIB Headquarters
Observance of Vigilance Awareness Week by NABARD, Tamilnadu Regional Office, Chennai
As part of the Vigilance Awareness Week, the Tamil Nadu Regional Office of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development  at Chennai has planned various activities both within the organisation as also outreach programmes. The celebration of the Vigilance Awareness Week began with the administration of the Integrity Pledge by Smt. Padma Raghunathan, Chief General Manager, NABARD, to all staff members of the Regional Office on 29th October 2019, followed by a walkathon outside the office premises. Staff members wearing specially designed caps and holding placards displaying slogans in keeping with theme of the week i.e., ‘Integrity – A way of life’ participated in the walkathon. Besides this., Smt. Padma Raghunathan said, Essay and Quiz competitions for staff members and Elocution completion for school children have been planned. At the district level, the NABARD officers will be conducting various outreach programmes during the week.(
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 174.24 Cr
More than 34.75 lakh Vaccine Doses administered in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently stands at 98.03%
30,757 New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
India's Active Caseload currently stands at 3,32,918
Weekly Positivity Rate is presently at 3.04%
With the administration of more than 34.75 lakh Doses  vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 174.24 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today.
This has been achieved through 1,96,65,024 sessions. The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,04,00,159
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
99,43,533
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
39,73,202
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,84,06,721
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,73,99,323
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
56,45,765
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
5,29,34,308
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,85,46,964
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
54,93,92,751
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
43,13,46,193
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
20,18,76,954
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
17,73,80,069
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
12,60,75,411
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
11,05,08,628
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
86,06,307
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
1,82,25,274
|
|
Total
|
|
1,74,24,36,288
67,538 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 4,19,10,984.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.03%.
30,757 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
India’s Active Caseload is presently at 3,32,918. Active cases constitute 0.78% of the country's total Positive Cases.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of 11,79,705 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 75.55 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 3.04% and the Daily Positivity rate is reported to be 2.61%.
Ministry of Finance
Auction for Sale  of Government Stocks
Government of India has announced the Sale  of  ‘7.32 per cent Government Stock, 2024’ for a notified amount of Rs. 5,000 crore  through price based auction,  ‘7.26 per cent Government Stock, 2029’ for a notified amount of Rs. 6,000 crore  through price based auction,  ‘7.69 per cent Government Stock, 2043’ for a notified amount of Rs. 2,000 crore  through price based auction, and  ‘7.72 per cent Government Stock, 2049’ for a notified amount of Rs. 4,000 crore  through price based auction. Subject to the limit of Rs. 17,000 crore, being total notified amount, GoI will have the option to retain additional subscription up to Rs. 1,000 crore each against any one or more of the above securities. The auctions will be conducted using multiple price method. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on May 10, 2019 .
2. Up to 5% of the notified amount of the sale of the stocks will be allotted to eligible individuals and Institutions as per the Scheme for Non-Competitive Bidding Facility in the Auction of Government Securities.
3. Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution  system on May 10, 2019. The non-competitive bids should be submitted between 11.30 a.m. and 12.00 noon and the competitive bids should be submitted between 11.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m.
4. The result of the auctions will be announced on May 10, 2019  and payment by successful bidders will be on May 13, 2019 .
5. The Stocks will be eligible for “When Issued” trading in accordance with the guidelines on ‘When Issued transactions in Central Government Securities’ issued by the Reserve Bank of India vide circular No. RBI/2018-19/25 dated July 24, 2018 as amended from time to time.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles passing away of Veteran actor Shri Sarath Babu
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the passing away of Veteran actor Shri Sarath Babu.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"Shri Sarath Babu Ji was versatile and creative. He will be remembered for several popular works in several languages during his long film career. Pained by his passing away. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti."
Ministry of Railways
Mission Raftaar of Indian Railways
The “Mission Raftaar” announced in the Railway Budget 2016-17 envisages improving of average speeds of passenger and freight trains. Action Plan for improving mobility and increasing average speed includes removal of speed restrictions, construction of Road Over Bridges  and Road Under Bridges , right powering of trains and replacement of conventional trains by Main Line Electric Multiple Unit  trains and Diesel Electric Multiple Unit  trains.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs  has approved two projects for raising of speed to 160 kilometre per hour  on existing New Delhi- Mumbai  and New Delhi-Howrah  routes on 5th August, 2019.
Execution of projects being planned simultaneously on entire route length and will be monitored for expeditious completion. These corridors are part of Golden Quadrilateral and Diagonals of Indian Railways - A network of six routes which consist of 16% of total Indian Railways network, yet carry 52% of total passenger traffic and 58% of total freight traffic carried by Indian Railways.
This information was given by the Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Shri DV Sadananda Gowda addresses FAI Annual Seminar on ‘New Approach to Fertilizer Sector’
Minister emphasizes upon the need for eco-friendly fertilizers
The Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers, ShriDV Sadananda Gowda addressed at Valedictory Session of the Fertilizer Association of India  Annual Seminar on ‘New Approach to Fertilizer Sector’, here today. Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog, Shri K.S.Raju, Chairman, FAI, Shri Satish Chander, Director General, FAI and representatives of the industry were also present on the occasion.
Speaking about the need to have self-sufficiency in domestic production of fertilizers, Shri Gowda said that India is a country of 1.3 billion people, which is set to rise to 1.5 billion by 2040. Providing food security tosuch a big population is prime responsibility of the Government, he added. The Minister said that fertilizers play an important role and act as an important input in agricultural production, so achieving self-sufficiency in domestic production is necessary. He added thatGovernment’s relationship with fertilizer industry is unique, as thesupport of the industry is required in enhancingfood security.
Emphasizing on the role of fertilizers in food security, Shri Gowda said that the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has called for reduction of use of chemical fertilizers by at least 10%. He added that the excessive use of chemical fertilizers has started negatively impacting health of the soil. The Minister said that the industry leaders should take a lead in organizing awareness campaign among farmers to promote balanced use of fertilizers. He informed that the Department in joint collaboration with M/o Agriculture will organize ‘khadkasahiupyog’ awareness campaign twice ina year before kharif and rabi season to sensitise farmers to use fertilizers as per recommendations of soil health card.
The Minister emphasized upon the need for newer forms of fertilizers to be developed and introduced, which could be more effective than conventional fertilizers, and yet friendlier to ecosystem. He mentioned about the efforts of IFFCO in taking initiative to develop a newer form of fertilizers, which they call as ‘nano fertilizer’. He expressed happiness that these fertilizers will not only be more effective and environment friendlier, but also will also help in reducing subsidy burden of the Government.He said that thePrime Minister has also emphasized on the need for innovation & technology for accelerating progress.
Shri Sadananda Gowda said that it is the Government’s effort that there is an adequate provision for fertilizer subsidy and payments to the industry are made promptly. The Minister said that we have also to keep in mind the fiscal limitation of the government.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Ramesh Chand stressed on optimum use of fertilizers and said fertilizer use should be accompanied with specified use of organic manure to replenish the organic matter of soil.
President's Secretariat
President of India Graces The 26th Convocation of North Eastern Hill University 
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, graced and addressed the 26th convocation of the North Eastern Hill University  in Shillong, Meghalaya today .
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that NEHU has emerged as a premier centre of learning. He was happy to note that besides imparting higher education in all the major disciplines, the university is also giving special emphasis on the development of this region which has significant tribal population. He said that institutions of higher education like NEHU can be instruments of social and economic transformation. The NEHU can help Meghalaya in achieving better ranking on Human Development Indices.
The President said that more than 80 per cent population of Meghalaya is dependent on agriculture. By helping improve agricultural productivity, NEHU can play a catalytic role in promoting socio-economic development of Meghalaya and the North-East. Students and teachers of NEHU’s departments of ‘Rural Development and Agricultural Production’, ‘Agri Business and Food Technology’, and ‘Horticulture’ can help enhance farmers’ income.
The President told students that they are entering a world full of opportunities and challenges. He said that higher education is a privilege not available to a lot of people in our country. He appealed them to help improve the condition of such underprivileged fellow citizens. He also urged upon them to give back to the society in whatever way they can.
Click here to see President Speech: